-
EClinicalMedicine Mar 2023Knowing the prevalence of multimorbidity among adults across continents is a crucial piece of information for achieving Sustainable Development Goal 3.4, which calls for...
BACKGROUND
Knowing the prevalence of multimorbidity among adults across continents is a crucial piece of information for achieving Sustainable Development Goal 3.4, which calls for reducing premature death due to non-communicable diseases. A high prevalence of multimorbidity indicates high mortality and increased healthcare utilization. We aimed to understand the prevalence of multimorbidity across WHO geographic regions among adults.
METHODS
We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of surveys designed to estimate the prevalence of multimorbidity among adults in community settings. We searched PubMed, ScienceDirect, Embase and Google Scholar databases for studies published between January 1, 2000, and December 31, 2021. The random-effects model estimated the pooled proportion of multimorbidity in adults. Heterogeneity was quantified using I statistics. We performed subgroup analyses and sensitivity analyses based on continents, age, gender, multimorbidity definition, study periods and sample size. The study protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42020150945).
FINDINGS
We analyzed data from 126 peer-reviewed studies that included nearly 15.4 million people (32.1% were male) with a weighted mean age of 56.94 years (standard deviation of 10.84 years) from 54 countries around the world. The overall global prevalence of multimorbidity was 37.2% (95% CI = 34.9-39.4%). South America (45.7%, 95% CI = 39.0-52.5) had the highest prevalence of multimorbidity, followed by North America (43.1%, 95% CI = 32.3-53.8%), Europe (39.2%, 95% CI = 33.2-45.2%), and Asia (35%, 95% CI = 31.4-38.5%). The subgroup study highlights that multimorbidity is more prevalent in females (39.4%, 95% CI = 36.4-42.4%) than males (32.8%, 95% CI = 30.0-35.6%). More than half of the adult population worldwide above 60 years of age had multimorbid conditions (51.0%, 95% CI = 44.1-58.0%). Multimorbidity has become increasingly prevalent in the last two decades, while the prevalence appears to have stayed stable in the recent decade among adults globally.
INTERPRETATION
The multimorbidity patterns by geographic regions, time, age, and gender suggest noticeable demographic and regional differences in the burden of multimorbidity. According to insights about prevalence among adults, priority is required for effective and integrative interventions for older adults from South America, Europe, and North America. A high prevalence of multimorbidity among adults from South America suggests immediate interventions are needed to reduce the burden of morbidity. Furthermore, the high prevalence trend in the last two decades indicates that the global burden of multimorbidity continues at the same pace. The low prevalence in Africa suggests that there may be many undiagnosed chronic illness patients in Africa.
FUNDING
None.
PubMed: 36864977
DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2023.101860 -
Ophthalmology. Retina Jun 2023To characterize the presentation, management, and outcomes of suprachoroidal hemorrhage (SCH). (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
TOPIC
To characterize the presentation, management, and outcomes of suprachoroidal hemorrhage (SCH).
CLINICAL RELEVANCE
Suprachoroidal hemorrhage is a potentially devastating condition but there is no high-quality evidence for the prognosis or management of SCH.
METHODS
We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of peer-reviewed studies of SCH published in PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, or Google Scholar between January 1, 1990, and September 1, 2022. The protocol was prospectively registered on the Open Science Framework (https://osf.io/69v3q/). Random-effects models were used to calculate the pooled estimate and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for visual acuity (VA) and anatomic outcomes. Univariable and multivariable random-effects meta-regressions were performed to determine factors associated with VA outcomes and anatomic success, defined as the retina attached at the last follow-up.
RESULTS
Sixty-eight studies comprising 1246 eyes of 1245 patients were included, with mean (standard deviation [SD]) follow-up of 14.0 (9.4) months. The pooled estimate (95% CI) for mean change in logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) VA from baseline to the last follow-up was -0.98 (-1.22 to -0.74) (I = 88.4%), with 72.0% (63.5%-80.5%) (I = 74.3%) achieving VA improvement of ≥ 0.3 logMAR (3-line improvement in ETDRS VA), 39.6% (32.5%-46.7%) (I = 83.2%) achieving final VA of 1.0 logMAR (Snellen equivalent 20/200) or better, and 75.5% (68.4%-82.7%) (I = 74.7%) achieving anatomic success. Studies with predominantly nonspontaneous SCH and greater percent of eyes receiving systemic steroids were associated with greater improvement in logMAR VA, a greater proportion of eyes with VA improvement ≥ 0.3 logMAR, and greater proportion of eyes achieving anatomic success (all P < 0.05 univariable meta-regression). Studies with greater percent of eyes treated surgically were associated with greater proportion of eyes with VA improvement of ≥ 0.3 logMAR in (P < 0.05, univariable and multivariable analysis). The mean (SD) quality score across studies was 13.9 (2.3) out of 24, and outcomes were of very low certainty of evidence.
CONCLUSION
Although limited by heterogeneous observational studies, published reports of SCH indicate that most eyes with SCH experience some degree of VA improvement and anatomic success. However, final VA outcomes remain poor, with most cases resulting in severe visual impairment or blindness.
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S)
Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found after the references.
Topics: Humans; Retina; Prognosis; Hemorrhage
PubMed: 36858317
DOI: 10.1016/j.oret.2023.02.011 -
Cureus Jan 2023Alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) is a complication frequently encountered among patients who are chronic alcohol abusers. It is considered to have a significant... (Review)
Review
Alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) is a complication frequently encountered among patients who are chronic alcohol abusers. It is considered to have a significant impact on the United States healthcare system. It not only has a toll on the healthcare spending but also contributes to significant morbidity and mortality. Benzodiazepines are considered first line in the treatment of AWS. Since patients with alcohol use disorder have downregulated gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors, this often leads to benzodiazepine resistance. Phenobarbital is also used in the management of alcohol withdrawal syndrome. Here we present a systematic review and meta-analysis of the efficacy and safety of the drug. We conducted an electronic database search for relevant studies published between the inception of the project and November 20, 2022, in three databases, including Medline/PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library. Our study included all original studies with prime focus on the baseline characteristics of patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) for alcohol withdrawal syndrome and management/monitoring protocol implemented for its treatment. The primary outcomes that were the focus of our study consisted of changes in the length of hospital stay, length of ICU stay, and changes in scoring systems (for alcohol withdrawal assessment and monitoring) following the implementation of phenobarbital. The secondary outcomes included complications such as intubation and mortality. Based on our analysis, the mean difference in hospital stay was statistically significant at -2.6 (95% CI, -4.48, -0.72, P=0.007) for phenobarbital compared to the benzodiazepine group. We were unable to comment on the heterogeneity in our meta-analysis due to the standard deviation not being reported in one study. There was no statistically significant difference regarding the length of stay in the intensive care unit compared to the control/comparative arm, with a mean difference of -1.17 (95% CI, -1.17, 0.09, P=0.07), with considerable heterogeneity (I=77%, P=0.002). Our meta-analysis also investigated the risk of intubation between the phenobarbital and the control/comparative group. There was statistically significant difference in the incidence of intubation, relative risk (RR) 0.52 (95% CI, 0.25, 1.08, P=0.08), with considerable heterogeneity (I=80%, P=0.0001). Our study concludes that phenobarbital is an effective tool in the management of AWS in an ICU setting. However, various studies have reported contradictory results, and vital information appears to be lacking. Moreover, there is a lack of uniformity in terms of phenobarbital dosing. Drug administration should be adapted according to the severity of the symptoms. Further studies need to be conducted discussing the safety profile and adverse effects of the drug when it comes to the management of alcohol withdrawal syndrome.
PubMed: 36788902
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.33695 -
Cephalalgia : An International Journal... Mar 2023A systematic and meta-analysis was conducted to examine the evidence of the effects of botulinum toxin A on chronic tension-type headache. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
A systematic and meta-analysis was conducted to examine the evidence of the effects of botulinum toxin A on chronic tension-type headache.
METHODS
Cochrane, Embase, Ovid, ProQuest, PubMed, Scopus, Web-of-Science databases, and ClinicallTrials.gov registry were systematically searched for studies examining the effects of botulinum toxin A on tension-type headaches. The records were screened by two independent reviewers using pre-determined eligibility criteria. DerSimonian Liard random-effects meta-analyses were performed using the 'meta' package (5.2-0) in R (4.2.0). Risk of bias and quality of evidence were assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration's Tool RoB 2 and Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology. Clinical significance was determined using pre-defined minimal clinically important differences.
RESULTS
Eleven controlled trials were included (390 botulinum toxin A, 297 controls). Botulinum toxin A was associated with significant improvements in standardized headache intensity (-0.502 standard deviations [-0.945, -0.058]), headache frequency (-2.830 days/month [-4.082, -1.578]), daily headache duration (-0.965 [-1.860, -0.069]) and the frequency of acute pain medication use (-2.200 days/month [-3.485, -0.915]) vs controls. Botulinum toxin A-associated improvements exceeded minimal clinically important differences for headache intensity, frequency, and acute pain medication use. A 79% (28%, 150%) greater response rate was observed for botulinum toxin A vs controls in improving chronic tension-type headache. Treatment of eight chronic tension-type headache patients was sufficient to elicit a therapeutic response in one patient.
CONCLUSIONS
Corroborating the current mechanistic evidence, our meta-analysis supports the utility of botulinum toxin A for managing chronic tension-type headaches. However, due to limitations in the quality of evidence, adequately-powered high-quality controlled trials examining the effects of Botulinum toxin A on chronic tension-type headache are warranted.
REGISTRATION
Protocol preregistered in PROSPERO International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (CRD42020178616).
Topics: Humans; Tension-Type Headache; Botulinum Toxins, Type A; Acute Pain; Headache; Headache Disorders
PubMed: 36786349
DOI: 10.1177/03331024221150231 -
PloS One 2023The Directed Acyclic Graph (DAG) is a graph representing causal pathways for informing the conduct of an observational study. The use of DAGs allows transparent...
The Directed Acyclic Graph (DAG) is a graph representing causal pathways for informing the conduct of an observational study. The use of DAGs allows transparent communication of a causal model between researchers and can prevent over-adjustment biases when conducting causal inference, permitting greater confidence and transparency in reported causal estimates. In the era of 'big data' and increasing number of observational studies, the role of the DAG is becoming more important. Recent best-practice guidance for constructing a DAG with reference to the literature has been published in the 'Evidence synthesis for constructing DAGs' (ESC-DAG) protocol. We aimed to assess adherence to these principles for DAGs constructed within perioperative literature. Following registration on the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) and with adherence to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) reporting framework for systematic reviews, we searched the Excerpta Medica dataBASE (Embase), the Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE) and Cochrane databases for perioperative observational research incorporating a DAG. Nineteen studies were included in the final synthesis. No studies demonstrated any evidence of following the mapping stage of the protocol. Fifteen (79%) fulfilled over half of the translation and integration one stages of the protocol. Adherence with one stage did not guarantee fulfilment of the other. Two studies (11%) undertook the integration two stage. Unmeasured variables were handled inconsistently between studies. Only three (16%) studies included unmeasured variables within their DAG and acknowledged their implication within the main text. Overall, DAGs that were constructed for use in perioperative observational literature did not consistently adhere to best practice, potentially limiting the benefits of subsequent causal inference. Further work should focus on exploring reasons for this deviation and increasing methodological transparency around DAG construction.
Topics: Bias; Causality; Models, Theoretical; Communication; Data Interpretation, Statistical; Observational Studies as Topic
PubMed: 36758007
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0281259 -
Strategies in Trauma and Limb... 2022In the past decade, internal limb lengthening nails have gained popularity. In this study, we aim to systematically review the literature on humerus limb lengthening... (Review)
Review
AIM
In the past decade, internal limb lengthening nails have gained popularity. In this study, we aim to systematically review the literature on humerus limb lengthening with a motorized intramedullary nail (MIN). We intend to assess the outcome and complications of this technique.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A systematic review was performed in the following databases: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the . The inclusion criteria included limb lengthening of the humerus using an intramedullary nail, clinical studies, all levels of evidence, and no restriction to the date of publication.
RESULTS
Our search yielded 239 journal articles. A total of nine articles remained relevant based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The total number of patients was 20, with 22 segments lengthened. The mean age of the patients was 20.8-year-old [standard deviation (SD), 12.0; range, 13-51]. The mean gained length was 5.7 cm (SD, 0.9; range, 5-7.5) with a mean distraction protocol of 0.82 mm/day (SD, 0.2; range, 0.6-1). The average duration of lengthening was 71.6 days (SD, 12.8; range, 50-93), and the mean duration of consolidation was 192.3 days (SD, 40.5; range, 120-228). Reported complications included a range of motion (ROM) limitation, hardware failure, and hypertrophic bone regeneration.
CONCLUSION
Humeral lengthening with an MIN provides favourable outcomes with low complication rates. Future high-level studies should focus on comparing long-term outcomes of humeral lengthening utilising internal and external fixation techniques.
CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE
Humeral lengthening using MIN can be used safely. Each surgical approach and type of nail have different risks and benefits. These should be carefully discussed when planning the surgery.
HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE
Lorange JP, Alamiri N, Marwan Y, . Humerus Lengthening with a Motorized Intramedullary Nail: A Systematic Review of Outcomes and Complications. Strategies Trauma Limb Reconstr 2022;17(3):165-171.
PubMed: 36756294
DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10080-1568 -
Frontiers in Robotics and AI 2022Studies aiming to objectively quantify movement disorders during upper limb tasks using wearable sensors have recently increased, but there is a wide variety in...
Studies aiming to objectively quantify movement disorders during upper limb tasks using wearable sensors have recently increased, but there is a wide variety in described measurement and analyzing methods, hampering standardization of methods in research and clinics. Therefore, the primary objective of this review was to provide an overview of sensor set-up and type, included tasks, sensor features and methods used to quantify movement disorders during upper limb tasks in multiple pathological populations. The secondary objective was to identify the most sensitive sensor features for the detection and quantification of movement disorders on the one hand and to describe the clinical application of the proposed methods on the other hand. A literature search using Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed was performed. Articles needed to meet following criteria: 1) participants were adults/children with a neurological disease, 2) (at least) one sensor was placed on the upper limb for evaluation of movement disorders during upper limb tasks, 3) comparisons between: groups with/without movement disorders, sensor features before/after intervention, or sensor features with a clinical scale for assessment of the movement disorder. 4) Outcome measures included sensor features from acceleration/angular velocity signals. A total of 101 articles were included, of which 56 researched Parkinson's Disease. Wrist(s), hand(s) and index finger(s) were the most popular sensor locations. Most frequent tasks were: finger tapping, wrist pro/supination, keeping the arms extended in front of the body and finger-to-nose. Most frequently calculated sensor features were mean, standard deviation, root-mean-square, ranges, skewness, kurtosis/entropy of acceleration and/or angular velocity, in combination with dominant frequencies/power of acceleration signals. Examples of clinical applications were automatization of a clinical scale or discrimination between a patient/control group or different patient groups. Current overview can support clinicians and researchers in selecting the most sensitive pathology-dependent sensor features and methodologies for detection and quantification of upper limb movement disorders and objective evaluations of treatment effects. Insights from Parkinson's Disease studies can accelerate the development of wearable sensors protocols in the remaining pathologies, provided that there is sufficient attention for the standardisation of protocols, tasks, feasibility and data analysis methods.
PubMed: 36714804
DOI: 10.3389/frobt.2022.1068413 -
European Heart Journal. Digital Health Jun 2022High blood pressure (BP) is the commonest modifiable cardiovascular risk factor, yet its monitoring remains problematic. Wearable cuffless BP devices offer potential... (Review)
Review
AIMS
High blood pressure (BP) is the commonest modifiable cardiovascular risk factor, yet its monitoring remains problematic. Wearable cuffless BP devices offer potential solutions; however, little is known about their validity and utility. We aimed to systematically review the validity, features and clinical use of wearable cuffless BP devices.
METHODS AND RESULTS
We searched MEDLINE, Embase, IEEE Xplore and the Cochrane Database till December 2019 for studies that reported validating cuffless BP devices. We extracted information about study characteristics, device features, validation processes, and clinical applications. Devices were classified according to their functions and features. We defined devices with a mean systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) biases of <5 mmHg as valid as a consensus. Our definition of validity did not include assessment of device measurement precision, which is assessed by standard deviation of the mean difference-a critical component of ISO protocol validation criteria. Study quality was assessed using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies version 2 tool. A random-effects model meta-analysis was performed to summarise the mean biases for SBP and DBP across studies. Of the 430 studies identified, 16 studies (15 devices, 974 participants) were selected. The majority of devices (81.3%) used photoplethysmography to estimate BP against a reference device; other technologies included tonometry, auscultation and electrocardiogram. In addition to BP and heart rate, some devices also measured night-time BP ( = 5), sleep monitoring ( = 3), oxygen saturation ( = 3), temperature ( = 2) and electrocardiogram ( = 3). Eight devices showed mean biases of <5 mmHg for SBP and DBP compared with a reference device and three devices were commercially available. The meta-analysis showed no statistically significant differences between the wearable and reference devices for SBP (pooled mean difference = 3.42 mmHg, 95% CI: -2.17, 9.01, I 95.4%) and DBP (pooled mean = 1.16 mmHg, 95% CI: -1.26, 3.58, I 87.1%).
CONCLUSION
Several cuffless BP devices are currently available using different technologies, offering the potential for continuous BP monitoring. The variation in standards and validation protocols limited the comparability of findings across studies and the identification of the most accurate device. Challenges such as validation using standard protocols and in real-life settings must be overcome before they can be recommended for uptake into clinical practice.
PubMed: 36713001
DOI: 10.1093/ehjdh/ztac021 -
International Emergency Nursing Jan 2023Awareness and prompt recognition of sepsis are essential for nurses working in the emergency department (ED), enabling them to make an initial assessment of patients and... (Review)
Review
Comparison of the systematic Inflammatory response syndrome and the quick sequential organ failure assessment for prognostic accuracy in detecting sepsis in the emergency department: A systematic review.
BACKGROUND
Awareness and prompt recognition of sepsis are essential for nurses working in the emergency department (ED), enabling them to make an initial assessment of patients and then to sort them according to their condition s severity. The aim of this systematic review was to investigate prognostic accuracy in detecting sepsis in the emergency department by comparing the previous sepsis-2 screening tool, the Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS) and the current sepsis-3 screening tool, the Quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (qSOFA).
METHODS
This systematic review used the guideline by Bettany-Saltikov and McSherry and was reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 checklist. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO. A systematic search was conducted using the CINAHL, EMBASE and MEDLINE databases. Study selection and risk of bias was performed independently by pair of authors.
RESULTS
Five articles were included. Overall, SIRS showed higher sensitivity than qSOFA, while qSOFA showed higher specificity than SIRS. The positive predictive value for qSOFA was superior, while there was a minor deviation in negative predictive value between qSOFA and SIRS.
CONCLUSION
The overall recommendation based on the included studies indicates that qSOFA is the better-suited screening tool for prognostic accuracy in detecting sepsis in the emergency department.
Topics: Humans; Organ Dysfunction Scores; Prognosis; Hospital Mortality; Sepsis; Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome; Emergency Service, Hospital; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 36571931
DOI: 10.1016/j.ienj.2022.101242 -
Health Research Policy and Systems Dec 2022Accurate, consistent assessment of outcomes and impacts is challenging in the health research partnerships domain. Increased focus on tool quality, including conceptual,... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Accurate, consistent assessment of outcomes and impacts is challenging in the health research partnerships domain. Increased focus on tool quality, including conceptual, psychometric and pragmatic characteristics, could improve the quantification, measurement and reporting partnership outcomes and impacts. This cascading review was undertaken as part of a coordinated, multicentre effort to identify, synthesize and assess a vast body of health research partnership literature.
OBJECTIVE
To systematically assess the outcomes and impacts of health research partnerships, relevant terminology and the type/use of theories, models and frameworks (TMF) arising from studies using partnership assessment tools with known conceptual, psychometric and pragmatic characteristics.
METHODS
Four electronic databases were searched (MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL Plus and PsycINFO) from inception to 2 June 2021. We retained studies containing partnership evaluation tools with (1) conceptual foundations (reference to TMF), (2) empirical, quantitative psychometric evidence (evidence of validity and reliability, at minimum) and (3) one or more pragmatic characteristics. Outcomes, impacts, terminology, definitions and TMF type/use were abstracted verbatim from eligible studies using a hybrid (independent abstraction-validation) approach and synthesized using summary statistics (quantitative), inductive thematic analysis and deductive categories (qualitative). Methodological quality was assessed using the Quality Assessment Tool for Studies with Diverse Designs (QATSDD).
RESULTS
Application of inclusion criteria yielded 37 eligible studies. Study quality scores were high (mean 80%, standard deviation 0.11%) but revealed needed improvements (i.e. methodological, reporting, user involvement in research design). Only 14 (38%) studies reported 48 partnership outcomes and 55 impacts; most were positive effects (43, 90% and 47, 89%, respectively). Most outcomes were positive personal, functional, structural and contextual effects; most impacts were personal, functional and contextual in nature. Most terms described outcomes (39, 89%), and 30 of 44 outcomes/impacts terms were unique, but few were explicitly defined (9, 20%). Terms were complex and mixed on one or more dimensions (e.g. type, temporality, stage, perspective). Most studies made explicit use of study-related TMF (34, 92%). There were 138 unique TMF sources, and these informed tool construct type/choice and hypothesis testing in almost all cases (36, 97%).
CONCLUSION
This study synthesized partnership outcomes and impacts, deconstructed term complexities and evolved our understanding of TMF use in tool development, testing and refinement studies. Renewed attention to basic concepts is necessary to advance partnership measurement and research innovation in the field. Systematic review protocol registration: PROSPERO protocol registration: CRD42021137932 https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=137932 .
Topics: Humans; Reproducibility of Results; Psychometrics
PubMed: 36517852
DOI: 10.1186/s12961-022-00938-8